02/11/2015

Stephan Templ:Written question ­ HL2403 ­ UK Parliament

Stephan Templ:Written question ­ HL2403
Q

Asked by Baroness Deech

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Asked on: 05 October 2015
Lords HL2403

Stephan Templ
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have discussed with the
government of Austria the case of Stephan Templ, chronicler of Nazi looting in
Vienna, who has been sentenced to imprisonment in connection with his claim
for restitution.
A Answered by: Baroness Anelay of St Johns
We are aware of the legal case concerning Stephan Templ. Our Embassy has
close relations with the Secretary General of the Austrian National Fund for
Victims of National Socialism, which was established in 1995 to fulfil Austria’s
responsibility towards the victims of National Socialism. The British
Government encourages the authorities in Austria and other countries in the
region to address restitution and compensation claims from those who were
tragically affected by the Holocaust as soon as possible, in a way that would
be just and satisfactory to the claimants. We will continue to engage with the
authorities to press the case for victims of National Socialism to receive justice
and fair compensation, particularly through the International Holocaust
Remembrance Alliance. The Government has appointed Sir Eric Pickles as its
envoy for post holocaust issues, and he will continue to raise such issues at
every opportunity.